System and method for interfacing a local communication device

ABSTRACT

A system to interworking a call between a plurality of networks having different formats. The system has a GR-303 system, an integrated services digital network system, a service platform, and an asynchronous transfer mode system. The system has a signaling processor that is adapted to receive the call signaling and to process the call signaling to select a connection to one of the GR-303 system, the integrated services digital network system, the service platform, or the asynchronous transfer mode system. The signaling processor thereby selects the corresponding system on the connection. The signaling processor transports a control message identifying the selected connection. An interworking unit receives the user communications and the control message. The interworking unit converts the user communications from the format in which it was received to the format that is compatible with the selected system. The user communications are then transported on the selected connection.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No.08/754,354 which is U.S. Pat. No. 6,002,689 entitled “SYSTEM AND METHODFOR INTERFACING A LOCAL COMMUNICATION DEVICE,” filed Nov. 22, 1996, andis hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

FEDERALLY SPONSERED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the filed of telecommunicationcommunications transport and processing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a system for providing an interface fora call between an asynchronous transfer mode network and a localnetwork. The call has user communications and call signaling. The systemcomprises a first communication device adapted to communicate the callin an asynchronous transfer mode format and a second communicationdevice adapted to communicate the call in a time division multiplexformat. The system further comprises an application adapted to processthe call and an interface system. The interface system comprises asignaling processor and an interworking unit. The signaling processor isadapted to receive the call signaling from the first communicationdevice. The signaling processor processes the call signaling to select afirst connection to the application and transports a first controlmessage designating the selected first connection. The interworking unitis adapted to receive the user communications from the firstcommunication device and to receive the first control message from thesignaling processor. The interworking unit interworks the usercommunications between the asynchronous transfer mode format and aformat usable by the application and transports the user communicationsover the selected first connection designated in the first controlmessage.

The application processes the call and transports a second controlmessage notifying the signaling processor that processing is complete.The signaling processor then receives the second control message andprocesses the second control message to select a second connection fromthe interworking unit to the second communication device. The signalingprocessor transports a third control message designating the selectedsecond connection. The interworking unit receives the processed usercommunications and the third control message and interworks the usercommunications to the selected second connection to the secondcommunication device.

Still further, the present invention is a system for providing aninterface for a call between a broadband system and a GR-303 system. Thecall has user communications and call signaling. The system comprises asignaling processor adapted to process the call signaling to select abroadband connection for the call and to provide a control message thatidentifies the selected broadband connection. The system has a converteradapted to receive the call signaling from the GR-303 system in a GR-303format and to provide the call signaling to the signaling processor in aformat processable by the signaling processor. The system furthercomprises an interworking unit adapted to receive user communications ina GR-303 format from the GR-303 system and to receive the controlmessage from the signaling processor. The interworking unit converts theuser communications between the GR-303 format and a broadband format andtransmits the user communications in the broadband format to thebroadband system on the selected broadband connection identified in thecontrol message. The system also comprises a service platform in thebroadband system adapted to receive the user communications and toprocess the user communications with a service application.

Further yet, the present invention comprises a system for providing aninterface for a call between an asynchronous transfer mode system thatis operable to handle the call and a GR-303 system that is operable tohandle the call. The call has user communications and call signaling.The system comprises a service platform adapted to process the call withan interactive application. The system includes a signaling processorthat is adapted to process call signaling from the GR-303 system andfrom the asynchronous transfer mode system. The signaling processorselects at least one of a connection to the asynchronous transfer modesystem, the GR-303 system, and the service platform for the call. Thesignaling processor also provides a control message that identifies theselected connection. In addition, the system comprises an interworkingunit that is adapted to receive the control message from the signalingprocessor and to receive the user communications. The interworking unitinterworks the user communications between the GR-303 system, theasynchronous transfer mode system, and the service platform on theselected connection identified in the control message.

The present invention is directed to a system for interworking for acall between an asynchronous transfer mode system and a GR-303 system.The call has call signaling and user communications. The systemcomprises a service platform adapted to process the call with aninteractive application. The system further comprises a converteradapted to exchange the call signaling with the GR-303 system and tointerwork call signaling between a GR-303 format and a signaling system#7 format. The system includes a signaling processor and an interworkingunit. The signaling processor is adapted to receive call signaling in asignaling system #7 format from the asynchronous transfer mode systemand from the converter. The signaling processor processes the callsignaling in the signaling system #7 format to select at least one of aconnection to the GR-303 system, the asynchronous transfer mode system,and the service platform for the call. The signaling processor providesa control message that identifies the selected connection. Theinterworking unit adapted to receive the control message from thesignaling processor and to interwork the user communications between theGR-303 system, the asynchronous transfer mode system, and the serviceplatform using the selected connection identified in the controlmessage.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a system forproviding an interface for a call between an asynchronous transfer modesystem and a GR-303 system. The call has user communications and callsignaling. The system comprises a service platform adapted to processthe call with an interactive application, a signaling processor, and aninterworking unit. The signaling processor is adapted to exchange callsignaling with the asynchronous transfer mode system. The signalingprocessor processes call signaling from GR-303 system and from theasynchronous transfer mode system to select at least one of a connectionfor the call to the GR-303 system, the asynchronous transfer modesystem, and the service platform. The signaling processor provides acontrol message that identifies the selected connection. Theinterworking unit is adapted to exchange the call signaling between theGR-303 system and the signaling processor. The interworking unitreceives the control message from the signaling processor and interworksuser communications between the GR-303 system, the asynchronous transfermode system, and the service platform on the selected connectionidentified in the control message.

In still another aspect, the present invention is directed to a systemfor providing an interface for a call between a broadband system and aintegrated services digital network system. The call has usercommunications and call signaling. The system comprises a signalingprocessor adapted to process the call signaling to select a broadbandconnection for the call and to provide a control message that identifiesthe selected broadband connection. The system has a converter adapted toreceive the call signaling from the integrated services digital networksystem in a integrated services digital network format and to providethe call signaling to the signaling processor in a format processable bythe signaling processor. The system further comprises an interworkingunit adapted to receive user communications in a integrated servicesdigital network format from the integrated services digital networksystem and to receive the control message from the signaling processor.The interworking unit converts the user communications between theintegrated services digital network format and a broadband format andtransmits the user communications in the broadband format to thebroadband system on the selected broadband connection identified in thecontrol message. The system also comprises a service platform in thebroadband system adapted to receive the user communications and toprocess the user communications with a service application.

In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a system forproviding an interface for a call between an asynchronous transfer modesystem that is operable to handle the call and a integrated servicesdigital network system that is operable to handle the call. The call hasuser communications and call signaling. The system comprises a serviceplatform adapted to process the call with an interactive application.The system includes a signaling processor that is adapted to processcall signaling from the integrated services digital network system andfrom the asynchronous transfer mode system. The signaling processorselects at least one of a connection to the asynchronous transfer modesystem, the integrated services digital network system and the serviceplatform for the call. The signaling processor also provides a controlmessage that identifies the selected connection. In addition, the systemcomprises an interworking unit that is adapted to receive the controlmessage from the signaling processor and to receive the usercommunications. The interworking unit interworks the user communicationsbetween the integrated services digital network system, the asynchronoustransfer mode system, and the service platform on the selectedconnection identified in the control message.

Further still, the present invention is directed to a system forinterworking for a call between an asynchronous transfer mode system anda integrated services digital network system. The call has callsignaling and user communications. The system comprises a serviceplatform adapted to process the call with an interactive application.The system further comprises a converter adapted to exchange the callsignaling with the integrated services digital network system and tointerwork call signaling between a integrated services digital networkformat and a signaling system #7 format. The system includes a signalingprocessor and an interworking unit. The signaling processor is adaptedto receive call signaling in a signaling system #7 format from theasynchronous transfer mode system and from the converter. The signalingprocessor processes the call signaling in the signaling system #7 formatto select at least one of a connection to the integrated servicesdigital network system, the asynchronous transfer mode system, and theservice platform for the call. The signaling processor provides acontrol message that identifies the selected connection. Theinterworking unit adapted to receive the control message from thesignaling processor and to interwork the user communications between theintegrated services digital network system, the asynchronous transfermode system, and the service platform using the selected connectionidentified in the control message.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a system forproviding an interface for a call between an asynchronous transfer modesystem and a integrated services digital network system. The call hasuser communications and call signaling. The system comprises a serviceplatform adapted to process the call with an interactive application, asignaling processor, and an interworking unit. The signaling processoris adapted to exchange call signaling with the asynchronous transfermode system. The signaling processor processes call signaling fromintegrated services digital network system and from the asynchronoustransfer mode system to select at least one of a connection for the callto the integrated services digital network system, the asynchronoustransfer mode system, and the service platform. The signaling processorprovides a control message that identifies the selected connection. Theinterworking unit is adapted to exchange the call signaling between theintegrated services digital network system and the signaling processor.The interworking unit receives the control message from the signalingprocessor and interworks user communications between the integratedservices digital network system, the asynchronous transfer mode system,and the service platform on the selected connection identified in thecontrol message.

In another aspect, the present invention comprises a system forproviding a tandem connection for a call. The call has call signalingand user communications. The system comprises a first communicationdevice adapted to transport the call as traffic in a GR-303 format and asecond communication device adapted to receive the call. The system hasa first interworking unit adapted to receive the traffic for the callfrom the first communication device over a first connection. The firstinterworking unit converts the traffic from the GR-303 format toasynchronous transfer mode cells that identify a selected secondconnection identified in a first control message, and transports theasynchronous transfer mode cells. Also included is a cross connect thatis adapted to receive the asynchronous transfer mode cells from thefirst interworking unit and to route the asynchronous transfer modecells based on the selected second connection identified in theasynchronous transfer mode cells.

A second interworking unit is included in the system and is adapted toreceive the asynchronous transfer mode cells from the cross connect overthe selected virtual connection. The second interworking unit convertsthe asynchronous transfer mode cells into a into traffic having a formatreceivable by the second communication device and transports the trafficover a selected third connection to the second communication deviceidentified in a second control message.

The system further comprises a third communication device and asignaling processor. The third communication device is adapted toreceive the asynchronous is transfer mode cells from the cross connectover the selected second connection. The signaling processor is linkedto the first communication device, the second communication device, thethird communication device, first interworking unit, and the secondinterworking unit.

The signaling processor is adapted to receive and process the callsignaling from the first communication device to select the secondconnection and, if the selected second connection connects cross connectand the second interworking unit, to select the third connection. Thesignaling processor provides the first control message for the call tothe first interworking unit and provides the second control message forthe call to one of the second interworking unit and the thirdcommunication device.

The first control message identifies the first connection and theselected second connection. The second control message identifies theselected second connection and the third connection. The firstconnection, the selected second connection, and the selected thirdconnection form a tandem connection.

In still another aspect, the present invention comprises a system forproviding a tandem connection for a call. The call has call signalingand user communications. The system comprises a first communicationdevice adapted to transport the call as traffic in a integrated servicesdigital network format and a second communication device adapted toreceive the call. The system has a first interworking unit adapted toreceive the traffic for the call from the first communication deviceover a first connection. The first interworking unit converts thetraffic from the integrated services digital network format toasynchronous transfer mode cells that identify a selected secondconnection identified in a first control message, and transports theasynchronous transfer mode cells. Also included is a cross connect thatis adapted to receive the asynchronous transfer mode cells from thefirst interworking unit and to route the asynchronous transfer modecells based on the selected second connection identified in theasynchronous transfer mode cells.

A second interworking unit is included in the system and is adapted toreceive the asynchronous transfer mode cells from the cross connect overthe selected virtual connection. The second interworking unit convertsthe asynchronous transfer mode cells into a into traffic having a formatreceivable by the second communication device and transports the trafficover a selected third connection to the second communication deviceidentified in a second control message.

The system further comprises a third communication device and asignaling processor. The third communication device is adapted toreceive the asynchronous transfer mode cells from the cross connect overthe selected second connection. The signaling processor is linked to thefirst communication device, the second communication device, the thirdcommunication device, first interworking unit, and the secondinterworking unit.

The signaling processor is adapted to receive and process the callsignaling from the first communication device to select the secondconnection and, if the selected second connection connects cross connectand the second interworking unit, to select the third connection. Thesignaling processor provides the first control message for the call tothe first interworking unit and provides the second control message forthe call to one of the second interworking unit and the thirdcommunication device.

The first control message identifies the first connection and theselected second connection. The second control message identifies theselected second connection and the third connection. The firstconnection, the selected second connection, and the selected thirdconnection form a tandem connection.

The present invention also comprises an interworking unit forfacilitating a call. The interworking unit comprises a control interfaceadapted to receive a control message for the call that identifies one ofan integrated services digital network connection, a GR-303 connection,and a digital service level connection and an asynchronous transfer modevirtual connection selected for the call by a signaling processor. Theinterworking unit further comprises an asynchronous transfer modeadaptation layer element adapted to interwork the one of the integratedservices digital network connection, the GR-303 connection, and thedigital service level connection and the selected asynchronous transfermode connection identified in the control message for the call. Theinterworking unit further comprises a cross-connect element adapted toreceive the one of the integrated services digital network connection,the GR-303 connection, and the digital service level connection and tocross-connect the one of the integrated services digital networkconnection, the GR-303 connection, and the digital service levelconnection to the asynchronous transfer mode adaptation layer element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an interface system interfacing with alocal network and with an asynchronous transfer mode network.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the components of the interface systemof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an interface system for communicating withapplications between local communication devices and high speedasynchronous transfer mode devices in a local services architecture.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a service platform system with an extendedasynchronous transfer mode system.

FIG. 5 is a functional diagram of an asynchronous transfer modeinterworking multiplexer for use with a synchronous optical networksystem.

FIG. 6 is a functional diagram of an asynchronous transfer modeinterworking multiplexer for use with a synchronous digital hierarchysystem.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a signaling processor constructed inaccordance with the present system.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a data structure having tables that areused in the signaling processor of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of additional tables that are used in thesignaling processor of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a table diagram of a trunk circuit table used in thesignaling processor of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a table diagram of a trunk group table used in the signalingprocessor of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a table diagram of an exception circuit table used in thesignaling processor of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a table diagram of an automated number index table used inthe signaling processor of FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 is a table diagram of a called number table used in thesignaling processor of FIG. 9.

FIG. 15 is a table diagram of a routing table used in the signalingprocessor of FIG. 9.

FIG. 16 is a table diagram of a treatment table used in the signalingprocessor of FIG. 9.

FIG. 17 is a table diagram of a message table used in the signalingprocessor of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Telecommunication systems have a number of communication devices inlocal exchange and interexchange environments that interact to providecall services to customers. For some calls, traditional services aresufficient to process, route, or connect the call to a designatedconnection. However, some calls require intelligent network (IN)services and resources to process, route, or connect the call to thecorrect connection.

Each call has call signaling and user communications. The usercommunications contain the caller's information, such as a voicecommunication or data communication, and they are communicated over aconnection. Call signaling contains information that facilitates callprocessing, and it is communicated over a link. Call signaling, forexample, contains information describing the called number and thecalling number. Examples of call signaling are standardized signaling,such as signaling system #7 (SS7), C7, integrated services digitalnetwork (ISDN), and digital private network signaling system (DPNSS),which are based on ITU recommendation Q.933.

A call can be transmitted from a communication device. A communicationdevice can be, for example, customer premises equipment (CPE), a serviceplatform, a switch, or any other device capable of initiating, handling,or terminating a call. Customer premises equipment can be, for example,a telephone, a computer, a facsimlle machine, or a private branchexchange. A service platform can be, for example, a service platform orany other enhanced platform that is capable of processing calls.

Communications devices in both traditional and intelligent systems canuse a variety of protocols and methods to achieve a connection for acall or to complete call processing. For example, CPE can be connectedto a switch using a time division multiplex (TDM) format, such as superframe (SF) or extended superframe (ESF). The ESF connection allowsmultiple devices at the customer site to access the local switch andobtain telecommunication services.

Also, communication devices, such as telephones, are likely connected toa remote digital terminal, and the connection typically carries analogsignals over twisted pair wires. The remote digital terminals provide adigital interface between the telephones and a local switch byconverting the analog signals from the telephones into a multiplexeddigital signal to be transferred to the local switch. A common standardfor the connection between the remote digital terminal and the localswitch is provided in Bellcore Reference GR-TSY-000303 (GR-303).

In addition, communications devices use broadband protocols, such asbroadband-integrated services digital network (B-ISDN). Broadbandsystems provide greater bandwidth than narrowband systems for calls, inaddition to providing digital processing of the calls, error checking,and correction. B-ISDN provides a communication device with a digitalconnection to a local switch or other device. The B-ISDN loop providesmore bandwidth and control than a convention local loop. Digitalpersonal network signaling system (DPNSS), the European equivalent ofB-ISDN, and other broadband protocols, can also be used.

Moreover, other communication devices use circuit-based connections forcalls. For example, digital signal (DS) level communications, such asdigital signal level 3 (DS3), digital signal level one (DS1), anddigital signal level zero (DS0) are conventional circuit-basedconnections. European level four (E4), European level three (E3),European level one (E1), European level zero (E0), and other Europeanequivalent circuit-based connections, also are used.

High speed electrical/optical transmission protocols also are used bycommunications devices for switching and signaling. The synchronousoptical network (SONET) protocol, which is used primarily in NorthAmerica, and the synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) protocol, which isused primarily in Europe, are examples of high speed electrical/opticalprotocols. The SONET and SDH protocols describe the physical media andtransmission protocols through which the communications take place.

SONET includes optical transmission of optical carrier (OC) signals andelectrical transmission of synchronous transport signals (STSs). SONETsignals transmit at a base rate of 51.84 Mega-bits per second (Mbps) foroptical carrier level one (OC-1) and synchronous transport signal levelone (STS-1). Also transmitted are multiples thereof, such as an STSlevel three (STS-3) and an OC level three (OC-3) at rates of 155.52 Mbpsand an STS level twelve (STS-12) and an OC level 12 (OC-12) at rates of622.08 Mbps, and fractions thereof, such as a virtual tributary group(VTG) at a rate of 6.912 Mbps.

SDH includes transmission of optical synchronous transport module (STMO) signals and electrical synchronous transport module (STM E) signals.SDH signals transmit at a base rate of 155.52 Mbps for synchronoustransport module level one electrical and optical (STM-1 E/O). Alsotransmitted are multiples thereof, such as an STM level fourelectrical/optical (STM-4 E/O) at rates of 622.08 Mbps, and fractionsthereof, such as a tributary unit group (TUG) at a rate of 6.912 Mbps.

Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) is one technology that is being used inconjunction with SONET and SDH to provide broadband call switching andcall transport for telecommunication services. ATM is a protocol thatdescribes communication of user communications in ATM cells. Because theprotocol uses cells, calls can be transported on demand forconnection-oriented traffic, connectionless-oriented traffic,constant-bit traffic, variable-bit traffic including bursty traffic, andbetween equipment that either requires timing or does not requiretiming.

ATM systems handle calls over switched virtual paths (SVPs) and switchedvirtual circuits (SVCs). The virtual nature of ATM allows multiplecommunication devices to use a physical communication line at differenttimes. This type of virtual connection more efficiently uses bandwidth,and thereby provides more cost efficient transport for customer calls,than permanent virtual circuits (PVCs) or other dedicated circuits.

The ATM system is able to connect a caller from an origination point toa destination point by selecting a connection from the origination pointto the destination point. The connection contains a virtual path (VP)and a virtual channel (VC). A VC is a logical unidirectional connectionbetween two end points for the transfer of ATM cells. A VP is a logicalcombination of VCs. The ATM system designates the selected connection byspecifying a virtual path identifier (VPI) that identifies the selectedVP and a virtual channel identifier (VCI) that identifies the selectedVC within the selected VP. Because ATM connections are uni-directional,bi-directional communications in an ATM system usually require companionVPIs/VCIs.

Intelligent network resources that provide call routing, call connectingservices, and call processing for various protocols, such as thosedescribed above, can be located in various exchanges. Because resourcesare allocated at different exchanges, rarely used or expensive resourcesmay be unavailable to many calls, while inexpensive or often usedresources may be overused. It will be appreciated that the communicationdevices of the local exchange networks can be used more effectively andefficiently, and call routing and call processing can be completed moreeffectively and efficiently, if a system was developed that can interactwith the various protocols in a telecommunication network andconcentrate resources.

Therefore, there is a need for a system that concentrates access tosystem resources for traditional and intelligent services from multiplelocal exchanges so that calls can be connected through communicationdevices that have different resource needs or different protocolrequirements. There is a need for a system that can pull the elements ofa local exchange together so that expensive resources are as equallyaccessible as inexpensive resources for a call. The present system fillsthis need.

The Embodimemts of FIGS. 1-4

The system of the present invention pulls resources of a local exchangeenvironment together so that the resources are readily accessible forall call connections. The system concentrates the communication devicesand resources by moving calls across ATM connections. In this manner,expensive services and resources are as accessible to calls asinexpensive services and resources.

In addition, the system ties into resources having telephonyapplications as well as non-telephony applications. The systemaccomplishes, for example, voice and data integration and callprocessing in telephony applications, in addition to such services asinternet services for non-telephony applications.

FIG. 1 illustrates a local services architecture (LSA) system inaccordance with the present invention. The LSA system 102 has a localnetwork 104, an ATM network 106, an application 108, and an interfacesystem 110. The interface system 110 is linked to the local network 104by a link 112, to the ATM network 106 by a link 114, and to theapplication 108 by a link 116. The interface system 110 is connected tothe local network 104 by a connection 118, to the ATM network 106 by aconnection 120, and to the application 108 by a connection 122.

Links are used to transport call signaling and control messages. Theterm “link” as used herein means a transmission media used to carry callsignaling and control messages. For example, a link would carry callsignaling or a device control message containing device instructions anddata. A link can carry, for example, out-of-band signaling such as SS7,C7, ISDN, B-ISDN, GR-303, local area network (LAN), or data bus callsignaling. A link can be, for example, an AAL5 data link UDP/IP,ethernet, or DS0 over T1. In addition, a link, as shown in the figures,can represent a single physical link or multiple links, such as one linkor a combination of links of ISDN, SS7, TCP/IP, or some other data link.The term “control message” as used herein means a control or signalingmessage, a control or signaling instruction, a control or signalingsignal, or signaling instructions, whether proprietary or standardized,that convey information from one point to another.

Connections are used to transport user communications and other deviceinformation between the elements and devices of the LSA system 102. Theterm “connection” as used herein means the transmission media used tocarry user communications between communication devices or between theelements of the LSA system 102. For example, a connection could carry auser's voice, computer data, or other communication device data. Aconnection can be associated with either in-band communications orout-of-band communications.

The local network 104 has one or more communication devices (not shown)that originate, terminate, or handle a call. The call can have variousprotocols, such as the protocols discussed above.

The ATM network 106 is a high-speed transfer network. The ATM network106 can transport calls over a connection to other local networks, tointerexchange networks, or to other ATM networks. In addition, the ATMnetwork 106 is adapted to transport calls to ATM communication devices(not shown) that originate, terminate, or handle a call.

The application 108 processes calls or converts transmission protocolsso that calls can be transferred to another local network, to anotherATM network, or to an interexchange network. In some instances, a localnetwork is connected directly to the application 108. In such a case,the application 108 interworks the call from one protocol to another andtransports the call to the local network. In other cases, theapplication 108 is a service platform or service application thatprocesses the call. Such processing occurs, for example, for classservice processing such as call forwarding, caller identification, orvoice recognition processing.

The interface system 110 interworks calls between the ATM network 106,the local network 104, and the application 108. The interface system 110interworks calls, including call signaling and user communications,dynamically on a call-by-call basis in TDM-ATM networks, ATM-ATMnetworks, and TDM-TDM networks.

Interworking is a process of converting one protocol to another. Forexample, ISDN signaling can be interworked with SS7 signaling byconverting ISDN signaling to analogous SS7 signaling and by convertingSS7 signaling to analogous ISDN signaling. Interworking is alsocompleted on user communications. For example, user communications canbe interworked between ATM cells having an identified VPI/VCI and DSOconnections in the TDM format.

The interface system 110 can interwork call signaling between the SS7format and the GR-303 format, between the SS7 format and the ISDNformat, and between the GR-303 format and the ISDN format. In addition,the interface system 110 can user communications between the GR-303format and the ATM format, between the ISDN format and the ATM format,and between the GR-303 format and the ISDN format. Moreover, theinterface system 110 can convert the call between an optical format andan electrical format.

The interface system 110 controls call routing, call processing, andcall transport. The interface system 110 determines the processing ortransport needs of a call, and it provides routing instructions orprocessing instructions to the communication devices in the ATM network106, the local network 104, and the application 108.

The interface system 110 operates to accept call signaling and usercommunications from either the ATM network 106 or the local network 104.The interface system 110 processes the call signaling to determine therouting and processing requirements of the call. Based upon theprocessed call signaling, the interface system 110 selects a connectionto the required network 106 or 104 for connection of the call or to therequired application 108 for processing. The interface system 110 theninterworks the user communications to the selected connection.

The interface system 110 can be configured to be a tandem interface toimplement a tandem function. A tandem configuration allows the interfacesystem 110 to concentrate telecommunication traffic between networks,switches, and communication devices. The tandem configuration allows anyone network to connect a call to any other network without having adirect connection between each network and communication device. Thus,each network and communication device are connected to each otherthrough the interface system 110.

FIG. 2 illustrates an expanded view of the interface system 110. Theinterface system 110 includes a signaling processor 202 and aninterworking unit 204 linked by a link 206. The interface system 110communicates with a local communication device 208 in the local network104 through its respective link 112 and connection 118, and to an ATMcommunication device 210 in the ATM network 106 through its respectivelink 114 and connection 120. (See FIG. 1.)

The signaling processor 202 is a signaling platform that can receive andprocess signaling. Based on the processed signaling, the, signalingprocessor 202 selects processing options for the user communications andgenerates and transmits control messages that identify the communicationdevice, processing option, service, or resource that is to be used. Thesignaling processor 202 also selects virtual connections andcircuit-based connections for call routing and generates and transportscontrol messages that identify the selected connection. The signalingprocessor 202 can process various forms of signaling, including ISDN,SS7, and C7. A preferred signaling processor is discussed below.

The interworking unit 204 interworks traffic between various protocols.Preferably, the interworking unit 204 interworks between ATM traffic andnon-ATM traffic. The interworking unit 204 operates in accordance withcontrol messages received from the signaling processor 202 over the link206. These control messages are typically provided on a call-by-callbasis and identify an assignment between a DS0 and a VPI/VCI for whichuser communications are interworked. In some cases, the interworkingunit 204 is configured to implement digital signal processing asinstructed in the control messages from the signaling processor 202.Examples of digital signal processing include echo cancellation,continuity testing, and call trigger detection.

The local communication device 208 is any communication device thatoperates in the local network 104 (FIG. 1). The local communicationdevice 208 can be, for example, CPE, a service platform, a switch, orany other device capable of initiating, handling, or terminating a call.Customer premises equipment can be, for example, a telephone, acomputer, a facsimile machine, or a private branch exchange. A serviceplatform can be, for example, a service platform or any other enhancedplatform that is capable of processing calls.

The ATM communication device 210 is any communication device thatoperates in the ATM network 106 (FIG. 1). The ATM communication device210 can be, for example, CPE, a service platform, a switch, or any otherdevice capable of initiating, handling, or terminating a call having ATMcells.

The system of FIG. 2 operates as follows. The local communication device208 can initiate a call in, for example, a TDM format over a DS0. Thecall signaling is transmitted to the signaling processor 202 over thelink 112 therebetween, and the user communications are transmitted tothe interworking unit 204 over the connection 118 therebetween.

The signaling processor 202 processes the call signaling and determinesthe routing and processing requirements for the call. In the presentexample, first, the signaling processor 202 determines that the callrequires processing in the application 108. Such a case can occur, forexample, if voice recognition services are required or if some otherservice from a service platform is required. Alternately, theapplication 108 can act as a protocol converter.

The signaling processor 202 sends a control message to the interworkingunit 204 identifying the selected connection 122 to the application. Atthe same time, the signaling processor 202 transmits a control messageto the application 108 over the link 116 identifying the selectedprocessing option with which the application 108 will process the usercommunications.

The interworking unit 204 receives the user communications over theconnection 118. In addition, the interworking unit 204 receives thecontrol message from the signaling processor 202 over the link 206. Theinterworking unit 204 makes the selected connection 122 so that the usercommunications are transported to the application 108. The interworkingunit 204 completes any format conversion that is required. In thepresent example, the application 108 receives the user communications inthe TDM format, so no conversion is required.

After the application 108 completes the call processing, it transfers acontrol message to the signaling processor 202. The control message fromthe application 108 notifies the signaling processor that service iscomplete and contains any information that the signaling processor 204requires to complete call routing or to control further call processing.

The signaling processor 202 determines that the call is to be connectedto the ATM communication device 210. The signaling processor 202 sends acontrol message to the interworking unit 204 identifying the selectedconnection 120 to the ATM communication device 210. In addition, thesignaling processor 202 notifies the ATM communication device 210 overthe link 114 that user communications are being transported to the ATMcommunication device.

The interworking unit 204 receives the control message from thesignaling processor identifying the selected connection 120. Theinterworking unit 204 then converts the user communications that arebeing received on the DS0 connection 118 to ATM cells that identify theselected connection 120 to the ATM communication device 210. The ATMcells are then transported to the ATM communication device 210 over theselected connection 120.

It will be appreciated that the description of the operation of thesystem of FIG. 2 incorporates a service platform as the application 108and TDM communications over a DS0 from the local communication device208. However, it will be appreciated that the local communication device208 can transmit user communications in an ESF or SF format, other TDMformats over DS level transmission lines or over SONET or SDH, an ISDNformat, or a GR-303 format, to name some examples. Moreover, theapplication 108 can be a converter that can interwork between signalingformats, a converter that can interwork between user communicationformats, or any service application.

In addition, for some calls, the application 106 will not be required.The interface system 110 then will make the connection initially to theATM communication device 210.

FIG. 3 illustrates many components of the LSA system 102 as theyinteract. The LSA system 102 has a first and second network cloud thatrepresents one or more communication devices 302 and 304. The LSA system102 has a signaling processor 202 and an interworking unit 204 that aresimilar to the signaling processor and interworking unit describedabove. The system has a second interworking unit 306 and a thirdinterworking unit 308 that are equivalent to the interworking unit 204.

A first service platform 310 and a second service platform 312 provideapplication services for calls in the LSA system 102. A converter 314converts between signaling formats. An ATM cross connect 316 routescalls on provisioned connections. A gateway 318 is included to changeATM cell headers to identify selected connections to the ATM network320.

The signaling processor 202 is linked to the interworking unit 204 by alink 206A. The link can be an SS7 link, a DS0, UDP/IP, TCP/IP overethernet, or a bus arrangement using a conventional bus protocol.

The signaling processor 202 is linked to the communication devices by alink 322 and 324, to the service platform 310 through a link 326, and tothe converter 314 through a link 328. The converter 314 also in linkedto the interworking unit 204 and to the signaling processor 202 througha link 206A. The signaling processor 202 also is linked through a link330 to the gateway 318, to the interworking units 306 and 308, and tothe service platform 312. Although the link 330 is illustrated as alocal area network (LAN) link, it will be appreciated that the link 330can be separate transmission media having separate protocols.

The communication devices 302 communicate to the interworking unit 204using various protocols. The communication devices 302 can transmit acall using ESF/SF over an ESF/SF connection 332. The ESF/SF format wouldbe converted at an ISDN interworking (IW) unit 334 to an ISDN format.Because ISDN has both bearer channels (B) to transport usercommunications and a signaling channel (D) to transport signaling, aconnection 336 communicates the user communications from the ISDN IWunit 334 to the interworking unit 204, and a link 338 communicates thesignaling.

In addition, the communication devices 302 can transport GR-303signaling over a link 340 and GR-303 user communications over aconnection 342. Alternately, the communication devices 302 can transportISDN signaling over a link 344 and ISDN user communications over aconnection 346. In addition, the communication devices 302 can transporthigh speed communications over a DS3 connection 348 or over a SONET OC-3connection 350. It will be appreciated that the DS3 connection 348 canbe a higher or lower speed connection, and that it can be a Europeanequivalent connection. In addition, it will be appreciated that the OC-3connection 350 can be a higher or lower speed optical or electricalconnection, and that it can be a European equivalent SDH connection.

A respective link 352 and connection 354 connect the interworking unit306 and the communication devices 304. Although the same number of linksand connections exist between the interworking unit 306 and thecommunication devices 304 as between the interworking unit 204 and thecommunication devices 302, only one each are shown for clarity. Inaddition, a link 356 exists between the interworking unit 204 and theconverter 314.

A connection 358 connects the interworking unit 204 and the ATM crossconnect 316. In addition connections 360, 362, 364, and 366 connect theATM cross connect 316 with the interworking unit 306, the interworkingunit 308, the gateway 318, and the ATM network 320. Also, a connection368 connects the interworking unit 204 with the service platform 310, aconnection 370 connects the interworking unit 308 with the serviceplatform 312, and a connection 372 connects the gateway 318 with the ATMnetwork 320.

The signaling processor 202 is operational to process signaling. Thesignaling processor 202 will typically process an SS7 initial addressmessage (IAM) for call set-up. The signaling information is processed bysignaling processor 202 in order to select a particular connection for aparticular call or to select a particular processing option for aparticular call. This connection might be a DS0 or a VPI/VCI. Thesignaling processor 202 sends control messages to the interworking unit204 identifying the selected connections. In addition, the signalingprocessor sends control messages to the other devices identifyingselected connections or selected processing options.

In particular, the signaling processor 202 has a service applicationcoordinator that determines which service in the service platforms 310and 312 is to process a particular call. In addition, the signalingprocessor 202 has a service coordinator that controls the serviceapplication coordinator to make sure conflicts do not arise inprocessing different calls with the same service platform 310 and 312 orthe same service application on the same service platform 310 and 312.The service coordinator can be a resource database that tracksallocations of resources on the service platforms 310 and 312 for callsand manages the allocations of the resources based on the information itholds. A detailed description of the signaling processor follows below.

As explained above, the interworking unit 204 interworks traffic betweenvarious protocols. Preferably, the interworking unit 204 interworksbetween ATM traffic and non-ATM traffic. The interworking unit 204operates in accordance with control messages received from the signalingprocessor 202 over the link 206. These control messages are typicallyprovided on a call-by-call basis and identify an assignment between aDS0 and a VPI/VCI for which user communications are interworked. In somecases, the interworking unit 204 is configured to implement digitalsignal processing as instructed in the control messages from thesignaling processor 202. Examples of digital signal processing includeecho cancellation, continuity testing, and call trigger detection. Insome case, the interworking unit 204 transports signaling between thecommunication devices 302 and the converter 314.

The communication device 302 and 304 can be an ESF/SF or ISDN CPE, aservice platform, a switch, a remote digital terminal, or any otherdevice capable of initiating, handling, or terminating a call. CPE canbe, for example, a telephone, a computer, a facsimile machine, or aprivate branch exchange. A service platform can be, for example, aservice platform or any other enhanced platformn that is capable ofprocessing calls. A remote digital terminal is a device thatconcentrates analog twisted pairs from telephones and other like devicesand converts the analog signals to a digital format known as GR-303.

The service platforms 310 and 312 provide enhanced services for callprocessing for user communications received from the interworking units204 and 306. The service platforms 310 and 312 may have one or multipleapplications to provide multiple services. Such services may includevoice messaging, facsimile messaging, mail boxes, voice recognition,conference bridging, calling card, menu routing, N00 servicing such asfreephone and 900 call servicing, prepay card, tone detection, and callforwarding.

The service platforms 310 and 312 process the user communications inaccordance with the control messages from the signaling processor 326.The control message instructs the service platforms 310 and 312 how toprocess the user communications and which application to use in theservice platform to process the user communications. The serviceplatforms 310 and 312 process the user communications, return processingresults to the signaling processor 326, and return the processed usercommunications to the interworking units 204 and 306 through respectiveconnections 368 and 370 to be transported to another network device.

The converter 314 interworks signaling from one format to another. Theconverter communicates with the signaling processor 202 and theinterworking unit 204 over the link 206A. The converter 314 interworksbetween GR-303 signaling and SS7 signaling. The converter 314 exchangesGR-303 signaling with the communication devices 302 over the link 340and through the interworking unit 204 and the link 356. The converter314 exchanges SS7 signaling with signaling processor 326 over the link328. GR-303 relies on the LAPD and Q.931 protocols established for ISDND channel signaling. Devices that convert ISDN D channel signaling intothe SS7 format are known. One skilled in the art will appreciate howsuch a device could be adapted to convert GR-303 signaling into the SS7format.

The converter 314 also interworks between ISDN signaling and SS7signaling. The converter 314 exchanges D channel signaling with the ISDNIW unit 334 over the link 336 and through interworking unit 204 over thelink 356. Alternately, the converter 314 exchanges D channel signalingwith the communication devices 302 over the link 344 and through theinterworking unit 204 over the link 356. The converter 314 exchanges SS7signaling with signaling processor 202 over the link 328. Devices withthe base functionality of the converter 314 are known in the art. Oneskilled in the art will appreciate how this functionality can be adaptedto support the invention

In some embodiments, the converter 314 will generate and transmitcontrol instructions to the interworking unit 204 over the link 356instructing the interworking unit to collect DTMF input from a caller.This will typically occur in response to a set-up message. After thesedigits are collected by the interworking unit 204, the converter 314will receive a message from the interworking unit over the link 356 thatidentifies the digits dialed by the caller. These digits will beincorporated into an SS7 message sent to the signaling processor 202.

The converter 314 may also instruct the interworking unit 204 to provideringback to the caller at the far end of the call. The interworking unit204 would provide a ringback to the caller at the far end that indicatesthe called party at the near end was being alerted. Where appropriate, abusy signal may be provided. The converter 314 may also instruct theinterworking unit 204 to provide the caller's number to the calledparty. This could be used for the caller ID feature.

The ATM cross connect 316 is any device that provides a plurality of ATMvirtual connections between the interworking units 204, 306, and 308,the gateway 318, and the ATM network 320. An example of an ATM crossconnect is the NEC Model 20. In ATM, virtual connections can bedesignated by the VPI/VCI in the cell header. The ATM cross connect 316can be configured to provide a plurality of VPI/VCI connections betweenthe LSA system devices.

The following examples illustrate a possible configuration. VPI “A” canbe provisioned from the interworking unit 204 through the ATM crossconnect 316 to the interworking unit 306. VPI “B” can be provisionedfrom the interworking unit 204 through the ATM cross connect 316 and tothe interworking unit 308. VPI “C” can be provisioned from theinterworking unit 204 through the ATM cross connect 316 and back to theinterworking unit 204. VPI “D” can be provisioned from the interworkingunit 204 through the ATM cross connect 316 and to the gateway 318. VPI“E” can be provisioned from the interworking unit 204 through the ATMcross connect 316 and to the ATM network 320. Similarly, VPIs can beprovisioned between any of the other devices in the LSA network,including the interworking units 306 and 308, the gateway 318, and theATM network 320. In this way, the selection of the VPI essentiallyselects the outgoing connection to the outgoing device. The VCIs can beused to differentiate individual calls on the VPIs.

DS3, DS1, and DS0 connections are bi-directional, whereas ATMconnections are uni-directional. This means that the bi-directionalconnections will typically require two ATM connections—one in eachdirection. This can be accomplished by assigning a companion VPI/VCI toeach VPI/VCI used for call set-up. The interworking units can beconfigured to invoke the companion VPI/VCI in order to provide a returnpath for the bi-directional connection.

In some cases, the signaling processor 202, one or more of theinterworking units 204, 306, and 308, and the ATM cross connect 316 forma tandem interface. For example, the signaling processor 202, theinterworking unit 204, the ATM cross connect 316, the interworking unit306, and the interworking unit 308 form a tandem interface between thecommunication devices 302, the communication devices 304 and the serviceplatform. It will be appreciated that the combination of the devices canbe adjusted to include a tandem interface function to the gateway 318and the ATM network 320 through the ATM cross connect 316.

In some embodiments, the signaling processor 202, the interworking units204, 306, and 308, and the ATM cross connect 316 will all be physicallylocated at the same site. For example, a tandem system would occupy asingle site just as a circuit switch occupies a single site. In thisway, a tandem system, such as the system described in FIG. 2, physicallyand functionally emulates a tandem circuit switch. However, thecomponent nature of the LSA system 102 allows the tandem system to bedistributed if desired. For example, in alternative embodiments, theinterworking units 204, 306, and 308 and the ATM cross connect 316 willbe physically located at the same site, but the signaling processor 202will be located at a remote site.

The gateway 318 modifies cell header VPI/VCI identifiers. The gateway318 receives user communications in ATM cells from the ATM cross connect316 and receives signaling from the signaling processor 202. Inaddition, the gateway 318 receives both signaling and usercommunications in ATM cells from the ATM network 320.

The gateway 318 uses the information in the signaling to change theVPI/VCI in the ATM cell header. When the gateway 318 changes the VPI/VCIof the cell header, it changes the connection identification for the ATMcells containing the user communications. Thus, the gateway 318 assistsin routing ATM cells between the LSA network 102 and the ATM network 320and between devices in the LSA system 102 on a call-by-call basis. Bychanging the addressing of the ATM cells in such a manner, greateraccess is provided to other local networks, to ATM networks, and to IXCnetworks because node addressing can be changed and is, therefore, notlimited to a low number of addressing nodes.

The LSA system 102 of FIG. 3 operates as follows. Any service can beused for any call. Moreover, any device can be used to connect any call.For example, the interworking unit 204, the ATM cross connect 316, andthe gateway 318 can be used to connect a call form the communicationsdevices 302 to the ATM network 320. Alternately, the interworking unit204, the ATM cross connect 316, and the interworking unit 308 can beused to connect a call from the communication devices 302 to the serviceplatform 312. In addition, the interworking unit 204, the ATM crossconnect 316, and the interworking unit 306 can be used to connect a callfrom the communication devices 302 to the communication devices 304. Inthe same manner, the devices in the LSA system 102 can be used toconnect calls between the communication devices 304 and the ATM network320, between the communication devices 304 and the service platform 310,between the communication devices 302 and the service platform 312, andbetween other devices.

Moreover, the converter 314 and the interworking unit 204 can be used totransport and interwork signaling with the signaling processor 202. Forexample, ISDN signaling and GR-303 signaling is interworked with SS7signaling by the converter 314.

In the LSA system 102, ESF/SF CPE in the communications devices 302 cancommunicate with other system devices. In one instance, an ESF/SF CPEinitiates a call over the connection 332. The call has in-bandsignaling. The call is converted by the ISDN IW unit 334 to ISDNsignaling that is communicated on the link 336 and to ISDN bearerchannel user communications that is communicated on the connection 338.Both the signaling and the user communications are transported to theinterworking unit 204.

The interworking unit 204 transfers the signaling to the converter 314over the link 356. The converter 314 converts the ISDN signaling toanalogous SS7 signaling that is transmitted to the signaling processor202 over the link 328. The signaling processor 202 processes thesignaling to determine a connection. The signaling processor 202transmits a control message to the interworking unit 204 with theselected connection 338. Based on the control message, the interworkingunit 204 interworks the user communications from ISDN to ATM cells thatidentify the selected connection 358 and transports the ATM cells on theselected connection. From there, the ATM cross connect 316 routes theATM cells on the selected provisioned connection. The selectedprovisioned connection can be, for example, the connection 364 to thegateway 318.

GR-303 devices in the communications devices 302 also can connect callsto other system devices. In one instance, a GR-303 device initiates acall. The GR-303 signaling is transported over the link 340 to theinterworking unit 204. The GR-303 user communications are transportedover the connection 342 to the interworking unit 204.

The interworking unit 204 transfers the signaling to the converter 314over the link 356. The converter 314 converts the GR-303 signaling toanalogous SS7 signaling that is transmitted to the signaling processor202 over the link 328. The signaling processor 202 processes thesignaling to determine a connection. The signaling processor 202transmits a control message to the interworking unit 204 with theselected connection 338.

Based on the control message, the interworking unit 204 interworks theuser communications from GR-303 to ATM cells that identify the selectedconnection 358 and transports the ATM cells on the selected connection.From there, the ATM cross connect 316 routes the ATM cells on theselected provisioned connection. The selected provisioned connection canbe, for example, the connection 360 to the interworking unit 306 thatleads to a TDM device in the communication devices 304. In such a case,the interworking unit 306 interworks the ATM cells to a selected DS0connection designated by a control message from the signaling processor202. The interworking unit 306 then transports the TDM formatted usercommunications on the connection 354 and transports the signaling on thelink 352.

In addition, an ISDN CPE in the communications devices 302 can initiatea call. The ISDN CPE would transmit the signaling on the link 344 andthe user communications on the bearer channel over the connection 346.The interworking unit 204 receives both the signaling and the usercommunications. The interworking unit 204 transfers the signaling to theconverter 314 over the link 356. The converter 314 converts the ISDNsignaling to analogous SS7 signaling that is transmitted to thesignaling processor 202 over the link 328. The signaling processor 202processes the signaling to determine a connection. The signalingprocessor 202 transmits a control message to the interworking unit 204with the selected connection 338.

The interworking unit 204 interworks the user communications from ISDNto ATM cells that identify the selected connection 358 and transportsthe ATM cells on the selected connection. From there, the ATM crossconnect 316 routes the ATM cells on the selected provisioned connection.The selected provisioned connection can be, for example, the connection362 to the interworking unit 308 that leads to the service platform 312.If the service platform 312 is ATM capable, no interworking is required.The interworking unit 308 would transmit the user communication over theconnection 370. If the service platform 312 is a TDM device, theinterworking unit 308 will interwork the ATM cells to the DS0 that leadsto the service platform.

Of course, other TDM devices can initiate a call over a DS3 connection348 or an OC-3 connection 350. The call will be handled by theinterworking unit 204 and the signaling processor 202 similar to themethods described above.

However, if the call is transmitted over an optical medium, such as theOC-3 connection 350, the interworking unit 204 would convert the call toan electrical format. This can be accomplished through conventionaloptical-to-electrical converters. Calls connected from the interworkingunit 204 to an optical device over the OC-3 connection 350 will beconverted to the optical format by using a conventional electrical-tooptical converter.

In either the case of the connection 348 over the DS3, or the connection350 over the OC-3 that has been converted to the electrical format, thesignaling and the user communications are demultiplexed to a DS0 level.Likewise, connections to a device in the communications devices 302 overthe DS3 connection 348 or the OC-3 connection, before it is converted tothe optical format, first are multiplexed from a DS0 to the required DSor OC level.

FIG. 4 illustrates the components and the operation of the serviceplatforms 310 and 312 of FIG. 3 within the LSA system 102. Because theservice platforms 310 and 312 are the same, only the service platform310 will be described. The service platform 310 contains a servicedatabase 402, a host computer 404, a first media processor 406, and asecond media processor 408. However, a service platform can have greateror fewer media processors in addition to other devices.

The host computer 404 communicates with the first media processorthrough a link 410, to the second media processor 408 through a link412, and to the service database 402 through a link 414. Preferably,links 410, 412, and 414 are either a LAN or a data bus.

The signaling processor 202 communicates with the host computer 404through a link 416 and the service database 402 through the link 418.User communications are carried between the telecommunication networkelements on connections. The interworking unit 204 communicates to thecommunication devices 302 through various connections, to the firstmedia processor 406 through a connection 368A, and to the second mediaprocessor 408 through a connection 368B.

The host computer 404 is the service node manager that controls everydevice on the service node or service platform 310. The host computer404 receives a processor control message from the signaling processor202. The processor control message instructs the host computer 404 howto process the user communications and which application to use in themedia processors 406 and 408 to process the user communications. Thehost computer 404 controls the user communications processing in themedia processors 406 and 408 and returns processed data results to thesignaling processor 202 in a host computer data signal. The hostcomputer 404 may instruct the media processors 406 and 408 to return theprocessed user communications to the interworking unit 204 to betransmitted back to the communication devices 302. The host computer 404also may send a host control message to the signaling processor 202 withcontrol instructions such as a service complete message or a servicechange request message.

The service database 402 is a logically centralized data storage devicefrom which the signaling processor 202 or the host computer 404 canretrieve device data. The service database 402 has two aspects of a useror device profile. First, the service database 402 has servicesubscription data and processing options which denote the services towhich a particular call, communication device, or other device hasaccess. Second, the service database 402 has service data which isstored on behalf of a communication device or other device. Service dataincludes such information as voice messages, facsimile messages, andelectronic mail.

The media processors 406 and 408 contain applications that process theuser communications. The media processors 406 and 408 perform suchprocessing as tone detection and collection. The media processorscollect any information from the user communications that is required tocomplete an application or manipulate the user communications. The mediaprocessors 406 and 408 run applications that process voice, tones,in-band data streams, or out-of-band data. The media processors 406 and408 report the processing results of the processed data to the hostcomputer 404 or to the signaling processor 202 in a media data signal.In some instances, raw data from the user communications is transferredto the host computer 404 for further processing.

The communication devices 302 may transmit a call. The call signaling istransmitted to the signaling processor 202 so that the signalingprocessor 202 can route the call to the appropriate device. The usercommunications are transmitted to the interworking unit 204 to betransported to an appropriate service, such as the media processors 406and 408. After the user communications are processed, they aretransmitted from the media processors 406 or 408, through theinterworking unit 204, and back to the communication devices 302. Thecommunication devices 302 can transmit the call in a variety of formats,including SF, ESF, ISDN, B-ISDN, and GR-303 and over a variety oftransmission media including TDM, SONET, and SDH.

Referring still to FIG. 4, the operation of the service platform 310allows the signaling processor 202 to control the host computer 404 andthe media processors 406 and 408 that process user communications whichpass through the system. The signaling processor 202 selects connectionsas needed to connect the devices in the LSA system 102.

A call is received into the service platform 310 from the communicationdevices 302. The call signaling is transmitted from communication device302 to the signaling processor 202. The user communications aretransmitted in ATM cells from the communication devices 302 to theinterworking unit 204.

The signaling processor 202 processes the call characteristic of thecall signaling. Based on the processing of the call characteristics, thesignaling processor 202 determines which service the call requires andwhich host computer and media processor and which application in themedia processor can provide the service.

However, sometimes the call characteristics are not sufficient todetermine the specific communication device or other device that isrequesting a service or to determine the specific requested servicedesired. This may occur, for example, when a device dials an “800”number to gain access to a calling card service. In such a situation,the call does not contain the device's OPC and other routing labelinformation that allows the signaling processor to determine the devicedesignation. The signaling processor 202 then may invoke applications inthe signaling processor 202 or in the media processor 406 that caninteract with the call to determine the device identity or desiredservice.

In addition, the signaling processor 202 may query a signal controlpoint (SCP) (not shown) or the service database 402 through the link418. This would allow the signaling processor 202 to gain serviceoptions, service data, and routing information for the call to determinethe required combination of signal processing, database, and connectionproviding elements to provide a service.

The call signaling is processed and the signaling processor 202determines the resource needed to process the service request. Thesignaling processor 202 then sends a processor control message to theselected host computer 404 designating the application that is toprocess the user communications. In addition, based on the processedcall signaling, the signaling processor 202 selects a connection fromthe interworking unit 204 to the media processor 406 selected to processthe user communications. The signaling processor 202 sends a processorcontrol message to the interworking unit 204 designating the selectedconnection and instructing the interworking unit 204 to dynamicallyconnect the call in real time to the media proccessor 406 on theconnection and to convert the user communications in the interworkingunit 204 from the ATM cells to a format that is compatible with theselected media processor 406.

The interworking unit 204 receives both the user communications from thecommunication devices 302 and the processor control message from thesignaling processor 202. The interworking unit 204 converts the ATMcells containing the user communications to a form that is compatiblewith the selected media processor 406. Generally, the ATM cells areconverted into a TDM format. The interworking unit 204 then uses theinformation gained from the processor control message to route the usercommunications to the selected media processor 406 over the selectedconnection.

The user communications are received in the selected media processor406. In addition, the host computer 404 transmits a host control messageto the media processor 406 instructing the media processor 406 whichapplication to use and providing other control messages to control theprocessing of the user communications. The media processor 406 processesthe user communications in accordance with the control instructions fromthe host computer 404. The media processor 406 then reports theprocessing results to the host computer 404 in a media processor signal.In addition, the media processor 406. transmits the processed usercommunications to the interworking unit 204.

The host computer 404 can further service the processing results. Thehost computer 404 transfers the processing results, with or withoutfurther servicing, to the signaling processor 202 in a host controlmessage. The host control message may request that the host computer 404and the associated media processor 406 be released because processing iscomplete or it can request another service or media processor 408. Whenthe signaling processor 202 receives the host control message, it maydirect the interworking unit 204 to transfer the processed usercommunications to the communication devices 302 or to anothercommunication device. In addition, the signaling processor 202 maydirect the interworking unit 204 to transfer the processed usercommunications to another service platform or another media processor408 on the same service platform 310. If the processing is complete, theinterworking unit 204 will be instructed by the signaling processor 202to release the connection to the media processor 406, at which point theconnection will be released.

The Interworking Unit Embodiments of FIGS. 5-6

FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of an ATM interworking multiplexer (mux) 502that is suitable for the present invention, but other multiplexers thatsupport the requirements of the invention are also applicable. The ATMinterworking mux 502 has a control interface 504, an OC-N/STS-Ninterface 506, a DS3 interface 508, a DS1 interface 510, a DS0 interface512, a signal processor 514, an ATM adaptation layer (AAL) 516, anOC-M/STS-M interface 518, and an ISDN/GR-303 interface 520.

The control interface 502 accepts control messages from the signalingprocessor 522. In particular, the control interface 504 identifies DS0connections and virtual connection assignments in the control messagesfrom the signaling processor 522. These assignments are provided to theAAL 516 for implementation.

The OC-N/STS-N interface 506, the DS3 interface 508, the DS1 interface510, the DS0 interface 512, and the ISDN/GR-303 interface 520 each canaccept calls, including user communications, from a communication device524. Likewise, the OC-M/STS-M interface 518 can accept calls, includinguser communications, from a communication device 526.

The OC-N/STS-N interface 506 accepts OC-N formatted communicationsignals and STS-N formatted communication signals and converts thecommunication signals from the OC-N or STS-N formats to the DS3 format.The DS3 interface 508 accepts communication signals in the DS3 formatand converts the communication signals to the DS1 format. The DS3interface 508 can accept DS3s from the OC-N/STS-N interface 506 or froman external connection. The DS1 interface 510 accepts the communicationsignals in the DS1 format and converts the communication signals to theDS0 format. The DS1 interface 510 can accept DS1s from the DS3 interface508 or from an external connection. The DS0 interface 512 acceptscommunication signals in the DS0 format and provides an interface to theAAL 516. The ISDN/GR-303 interface 520 accepts communication signals ineither the ISDN format or the GR-303 format and converts thecommunication signals to the DS0 format. In addition, each interface maytransmit signals in like manner to the communication device 524.

The OC-M/STS-M interface 518 is operational to accept ATM cells from theAAL 516 and to transmit the ATM cells over the connection to thecommunication device 526. The OC-M/STS-M interface 518 may also acceptATM cells in the OC or STS format and transmit them to the AAL 516.

The AAL 516 comprises both a convergence sublayer and a segmentation andreassembly (SAR) sublayer. The AAL 516 is operational to accept callorigination device information in the DS0 format from the DS0 interface512 and to convert the call origination device information into ATMcells. AALs are known in the art and information about AALs is providedby International Telecommunications Union (ITU) document I.363, which ishereby incorporated fully herein by reference. An AAL for voicecommunication signals is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/395,745, which was filed on Feb. 28, 1995, and entitled “CellProcessing for Voice Transmission,” and which is incorporated herein byreference.

The AAL 516 obtains from the control interface 504 the virtual pathidentifier (VPI) and the virtual channel identifier (VCI) for each DS0for each call connection. The AAL 516 also obtains the identity of theDS0 for each call (or the DS0s for an N×64 call). The AAL 516 thentransfers the call origination device information between the identifiedDS0 and the identified ATM virtual connection. An acknowledgment thatthe assignments have been implemented may be sent back to the signalingprocessor 522 if desired. Calls with multiple 64 Kilo-bits per second(Kbps) DSOs are known as N×64 calls. If desired, the AAL 516 can beconfigured to accept control messages through the control interface 504for N×64 calls.

As discussed above, the ATM interworking mux 502 also handles calls inthe opposite direction, that is, in the direction from the OC-M/STS-Minterface 518 to the DS0 interface 512, including calls exiting from theDS1 interface 510, the DS3 interface 508, the OC-N/STS-N interface 506,and the ISDN/GR-303 interface 520. For this traffic, the VPI/VCI hasbeen selected already and the traffic has been routed through thecross-connect (not shown). As a result, the AAL 516 only needs toidentify the pre-assigned DS0 for the selected VPI/VCI. This can beaccomplished through a look-up table. In alternative embodiments, thesignaling processor 522 can provide this DSO-VPI/VCI assignment throughthe control interface 504 to the AAL 516.

A technique for processing VPI/VCIs is disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/653,852, which was filed on May 28, 1996, andentitled “Telecommunications System with a Connection ProcessingSystem,” and which is incorporated herein by reference.

DS0 connections are bi-directional and ATM connections are typicallyuni-directional. As a result, two virtual connections in opposingdirections will typically be required for each DS0. Those skilled in theart will appreciate how this can be accomplished in the context of theinvention. For example, the cross-connect can be provisioned with asecond set of VPI/VCIs in the opposite direction as the original set ofVPI/VCIs. For each call, ATM interworking multiplexers would beconfigured to invoke automatically this second VPI/VCI to provide abi-directional virtual connection to match the bi-directional DS0 on thecall.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to incorporate digital signalprocessing capabilities at the DS0 level. For example, in the presentinvention, digital signal processing is used to detect the call trigger;It may also be desired to apply echo cancellation or encryption toselected DS0 circuits. In these embodiments, a signal processor 514would be included either separately (as shown) or as a part of the DS0interface 512. The signaling processor 522 would be configured to sendcontrol messages to the ATM interworking mux 502 to implement particularfeatures on particular DS0 circuits.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of an ATM interworking multiplexer (mux)602 that is suitable for the present invention. The ATM interworking mux602 has a control interface 604, an STM-N electrical/optical (E/O)interface 606, an E3 interface 608, an E1 interface 610, an E0 interface612, a signal processor 614, an ATM adaptation layer (AAL) 616, an STM-Melectrical/optical (E/O) interface 618, and a digital private networksignaling system (DPNSS) interface 620.

The control interface 604 accepts control messages from the signalingprocessor 622. In particular, the control interface 604 identifies E0connections and virtual connection assignments in the control messagesfrom the signaling processor 622. These assignments are provided to theAAL 616 for implementation.

The STM-N E/O interface 606, the E3 interface 608, the E1 interface 610,the E0 interface 612, and the DPNSS interface 620 each can accept calls,including user communications, from a second communication device 624.Likewise, the STM-M E/O interface 618 can accept calls, including usercommunications, from a third communication device 626.

The STM-N E/O interface 606 accepts STM-N electrical or opticalformatted communication signals and converts the communication signalsfrom the STM-N electrical or STM-N optical format to the E3 format. TheE3 interface 608 accepts communication signals in the E3 format andconverts the communication signals to the E1 format. The E3 interface608 can accept E3s from the STM-N E/O interface 606 or from an externalconnection. The E1 interface 610 accepts the communication signals inthe E1 format and converts the communication signals to the E0 format.The E1 interface 610 can accept E1s from the STM-N E/O interface 606 orthe E3 interface 608 or from an external connection. The E0 interface612 accepts communication signals in the E0 format and provides aninterface to the AAL 616. The DPNSS interface 620 accepts communicationsignals in the DPNSS format and converts the communication signals tothe E0 format. In addition, each interface may transmit signals in alike manner to the communication device 624.

The STM-M E/O interface 618 is operational to accept ATM cells from theAAL 616 and to transmit the ATM cells over the connection to thecommunication device 626. The STM-M E/O interface 618 may also acceptATM cells in the STM-M E/O format and transmit them to the AAL 616.

The AAL 616 comprises both a convergence sublayer and a segmentation andreassembly (SAR) sublayer. The AAL 616 is operational to accept callorigination 20 device information in the E0 format from the E0 interface612 and to convert the call origination device information into ATMcells.

The AAL 616 obtains from the control interface 604 the virtual pathidentifier and the virtual channel identifier for each call connection.The AAL 616 also obtains the identity of each call. The AAL 616 thentransfers the call origination device information between the identifiedE0 and the identified ATM virtual connection. An acknowledgment that theassignments have been implemented may be sent back to the signalingprocessor 622 if desired. If desired, the AAL 616 can be configured toaccept control messages through the control interface 604 for N×64calls.

As discussed above, the ATM interworking mux 602 also handles calls inthe opposite direction, that is, in the direction from the STM-M E/Ointerface 618 to the E0 interface 612, including calls exiting from theE1 interface 610, the E3 interface 608, the STM-N E/O interface 606, andthe DPNSS interface 620. For this traffic, the VPI/VCI has been selectedalready and the traffic has been routed through the cross-connect (notshown). As a result, the AAL 616 only needs to identify the pre-assignedE0 for the selected VPI/VCI. This can be accomplished through a look-uptable. In alternative embodiments, the signaling processor 622 canprovide this VPI/VCI assignment through the control interface 604 to theAAL 616.

E0 connections are bi-directional and ATM connections typically areuni-directional. As a result, two virtual connections in opposingdirections typically will be required for each E0. Those skilled in theart will appreciate how this can be accomplished in the context of theinvention. For example, the cross-connect can be provisioned with asecond set of VPI/VCIs in the opposite direction as the original set ofVPI/VCIs. For each call, ATM interworking multiplexers would beconfigured to automatically invoke this second VPV/VCI to provide abi-directional virtual connection to match the bi-directional E0 on thecall.

In some instances, it may be desirable to incorporate digital signalprocessing capabilities at the E0 level. For example, in the presentinvention, digital signal processing is used to detect the call trigger.Also, it may be desirable apply echo cancellation. In these embodiments,a signal processor 614 would be included either separately (as shown) oras a part of the E0 interface 612. The signaling processor 622 would beconfigured to send control messages to the ATM interworking mux 602 toimplement particular features on particular circuits.

The Signaling Processor of FIGS. 7-17

The signaling processor is referred to as a call/connection manager(CCM), and it receives and processes telecommunications call signalingand control messages to select connections that establish communicationpaths for calls. In the preferred embodiment, the CCM processes SS7signaling to select connections for a call. CCM processing is describedin a U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/243,203, which is entitled“Telecommunication System,” which is assigned to the same assignee asthis patent application, and which is incorporated herein by reference.

In addition to selecting connections, the CCM performs many otherfunctions in the context of call processing. It not only can controlrouting and select the actual connections, but it can also validatecallers, control echo cancelers, generate billing information, invokeintelligent network functions, access remote databases, manage traffic,and balance network loads. One skilled in the art will appreciate howthe CCM described below can be adapted to operate in the aboveembodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts a version of the CCM. Other versions are alsocontemplated. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the CCM 702 controls an ATMinterworking multiplexer (mux) that performs interworking of DS0s andVPI/VCIs. However, the CCM may control other communications devices andconnections in other embodiments.

The CCM 702 comprises a signaling platform 704, a control platform 706,and an application platform 708. Each of the platforms 704, 706, and 708is coupled to the other platforms.

The signaling platform 704 is externally coupled to the SS7 systems—inparticular to systems having a message transfer part (MTP), an ISDN userpart (ISUP), a signaling connection control part (SCCP), an intelligentnetwork application part (INAP), and a transaction capabilitiesapplication part (TCAP). The control platform 706 is externally coupledto a mux control, an echo control, a resource control, billing, andoperations.

The signaling platform 704 comprises MTP levels 1-3, ISUP, TCAP, SCCP,and INAP functionality and is operational to transmit and receive theSS7 messages. The ISUP, SCCP, INAP, and TCAP functionality use MTP totransmit and receive the SS7 messages. Together, this functionality isreferred as an “SS7 stack,” and it is well known. The software requiredby one skilled in the art to configure an SS7 stack is commerciallyavailable, for example, from the Trillium company.

The control platform 706 is comprised of various external interfacesincluding a mux interface, an echo interface, a resource controlinterface, a billing interface, and an operations interface. The muxinterface exchanges messages with at least one mux. These messagescomprise DS0 to VPI/VCI assignments, acknowledgments, and statusinformation. The echo control interface exchanges messages with echocontrol systems. Messages exchanged with echo control systems mightinclude instructions to enable or disable echo cancellation onparticular DS0s, acknowledgments, and status information.

The resource control interface exchanges messages with externalresources. Examples of such resources are devices that implementcontinuity testing, encryption, compression, tonedetection/transmission, voice detection, and voice messaging. Themessages exchanged with resources are instructions to apply the resourceto particular, DS0s, acknowledgments, and status information. Forexample, a message may instruct a continuity testing resource to providea loopback or to send and detect a tone for a continuity test.

The billing interface transfers pertinent billing information to abilling system. Typical billing information includes the parties to thecall, time points for the call, and any special features applied to thecall. The operations interface allows for the configuration and controlof the CCM 702. One skilled in the art will appreciate how to producethe software for the interfaces in the control platform 706.

The application platform 708 is functional to process signalinginformation from the signaling platform 704 in order to selectconnections. The identity of the selected connections are provided tothe control platform 706 for the mux interface. The application platform708 is responsible for validation, translation, routing, call control,exceptions, screening, and error handling. In addition to providing thecontrol requirements for the mux, the application platform 708 alsoprovides requirements for echo control and resource control to theappropriate interface of the control platform 706. In addition, theapplication platform 708 generates signaling information fortransmission by the signaling platform 704. The signaling informationmight be ISUP, INAP, or TCAP messages to external network elements.Pertinent information for each call is stored in a call control block(CCB) for the call. The CCB can be used for tracking and billing thecall.

The application platform 708 operates in general accord with the BasicCall Model (BCM) defined by the ITU. An instance of the BCM is createdto handle each call. The BCM includes an originating process and aterminating process. The application platform 708 includes a serviceswitching function (SSF) that is used to invoke the service controlfunction (SCF). Typically, the SCF is contained in a service controlpoint (SCP). The SCF is queried with TCAP or INAP messages, Theoriginating or terminating processes will access remote databases withintelligent network (IN) functionality via the SSF function.

Software requirements for the application platform 708 can be producedin specification and description language (SDL) defined in ITU-T Z.100.The SDL can be converted into C code. Additional C and C++ code can beadded as required to establish the environment.

The CCM 702 can be comprised of the above-described software loaded ontoa computer. The computer can be an Integrated Micro Products (IMP)FT-Sparc 600 using the Solaris operating system and conventionaldatabase systems. It may be desirable to utilize the multi-threadingcapability of a Unix operating system.

From FIG. 7, it can be seen that the application platform 708 processessignaling information to control numerous systems and facilitate callconnections and services. The SS7 signaling is exchanged with externalcomponents through the signaling platform 704, and control informationis exchanged with external systems through the control platform 706.Advantageously, the CCM 702 is not integrated into a switch CPU that iscoupled to a switching matrix. Unlike an SCP, the CCM 702 is capable ofprocessing ISUP messages independently of TCAP queries.

SS7 Message Designations

SS7 messages are well known. Designations for various SS7 messagescommonly are used. Those skilled in the art are familiar with thefollowing message designations:

ACM—Address Complete Message

ANM—Answer Message

BLO—Blocking

BLA—Blocking Acknowledgment

CPG—Call Progress

CRG—Charge Information

CGB—Circuit Group Blocking

CGBA—Circuit Group Blocking Acknowledgment

GRS—Circuit Group Reset

GRA—Circuit Group Reset Acknowledgment

CGU—Circuit Group Unblocking

CGUA—Circuit Group Unblocking Acknowledgment

CQM—Circuit Group Query

CQR—Circuit Group Query Response

CRM—Circuit Reservation Message

CRA—Circuit Reservation Acknowledgment

CVT—Circuit Validation Test

CVR—Circuit Validation Response

CFN—Confusion

COT—Continuity

CCR—Continuity Check Request

EXM—Exit Message

INF—Information

INR—Information Request

IAM—Initial Address

LPA—Loop Back Acknowledgment

PAM—Pass Along

REL—Release

RLC—Release Complete

RSC—Reset Circuit

RES—Resume

SUS—Suspend

UBL—Unblocking

UBA—Unblocking Acknowledgment

UCIC—Unequipped Circuit Identification Code.

CCM Tables

Call processing typically entails two aspects. First, an incoming or“originating” connection is recognized by an originating call process.For example, the initial connection that a call uses to enter a networkis the originating connection in that network. Second, an outgoing or“terminating” connection is selected by a terminating call process. Forexample, the terminating connection is coupled to the originatingconnection in order to extend the call through the network. These twoaspects of call processing are referred to as the originating side ofthe call and the terminating side of the call.

FIG. 8 depicts a data structure used by the application platform 708 toexecute the BCM. This is accomplished through a series of tables thatpoint to one another in various ways. The pointers are typicallycomprised of next function and next index designations. The nextfunction points to the next table, and the next index points to an entryor a range of entries in that table. The data structure has a trunkcircuit table 802, a trunk group table 804, an exception table 806, anANI table 808, a called number table 810, and a routing table 812.

The trunk circuit table 802 contains information related to theconnections. Typically, the connections are DS0 or ATM connections.Initially, the trunk circuit table 802 is used to retrieve informationabout the originating connection. Later, the table is used to retrieveinformation about the terminating connection. When the originatingconnection is being processed, the trunk group number in the trunkcircuit table 802 points to the applicable trunk group for theoriginating connection in the trunk group table 804.

The trunk group table 804 contains information related to theoriginating and terminating trunk groups. When the originatingconnection is being processed, the trunk group table 804 providesinformation relevant to the trunk group for the originating connectionand typically points to the exception table 806.

The exception table 806 is used to identify various exception conditionsrelated to the call that may influence the routing or other handling ofthe call. Typically, the exception table 806 points to the ANI table808. Although, the exception table 806 may point directly to the trunkgroup table 804, the called number table 810, or the routing table 812.

The ANI table 808 is used to identify any special characteristicsrelated to the caller's number. The caller's number is commonly known asautomatic number identification (ANI). The ANI table 808 typicallypoints to the called number table 810. Although, the ANI table 808 maypoint directly to the trunk group table 804 or the routing table 812.

The called number table 810 is used to identify routing requirementsbased on the called number. This will be the case for standard telephonecalls. The called number table 810 typically points to the routing table812. Although, it may point to the trunk group table 804.

The routing table 812 has information relating to the routing of thecall for the various connections. The routing table 812 is entered froma pointer in either the exception table 806, the ANI table 808, or thecalled number table 810. The routing table 812 typically points to atrunk group in the trunk group table 804.

When the exception table 806, the ANI table 808, the called number table810, or the routing table 812 point to the trunk group table 804, theyeffectively select the terminating trunk group. When the terminatingconnection is being processed, the trunk group number in the trunk grouptable 804 points to the trunk group that contains the applicableterminating connection in the trunk circuit table 804.

The terminating trunk circuit is used to extend the call. The trunkcircuit is typically a VPI/VCI or a DS0. Thus it can be seen that bymigrating through the tables, a terminating connection can be selectedfor a call.

FIG. 9 is an overlay of FIG. 8. The tables from FIG. 8 are present, butfor clarity, their pointers have been omitted. FIG. 9 illustratesadditional tables that can be accessed from the tables of FIG. 8. Theseinclude a CCM ID table 902, a treatment table 904, a query/responsetable 906, and a message table 908.

The CCM ID table 902 contains various CCM SS7 point codes. It can beaccessed from the trunk group table 804, and it points back to the trunkgroup table 804.

The treatment table 904 identifies various special actions to be takenin the course of call processing. This will typically result in thetransmission of a release message (REL) and a cause value. The treatmenttable 904 can be accessed from the trunk circuit table 802, the trunkgroup table 804, the exception table 806, the ANI table 808, the callednumber table 810, the routing table 812, and the query/response table906.

The query/response table 906 has information used to invoke the SCF. Itcan be accessed by the trunk group table 804, the exception table 806,the ANI table 808, the called number table 810, and the routing table812. It points to the trunk group table 804, the exception table 806,the ANI table 808, the called number table 810, the routing table 812,and the treatment table 904.

The message table 908 is used to provide instructions for messages fromthe termination side of the call. It can be accessed by the trunk grouptable 804 and points to the trunk group table 804.

FIGS. 10-17 depict examples of the various tables described above. FIG.10 depicts an example of the trunk circuit table. Initially, the trunkcircuit table is used to access information about the originatingcircuit. Later in the processing, it is used to provide informationabout the terminating circuit. For originating circuit processing, theassociated point code is used to enter the table. This is the point codeof the switch or CCM associated with the originating circuit. Forterminating circuit processing, the trunk group number is used to enterthe table.

The table also contains the circuit identification code (CIC). The CICidentifies the circuit which is typically a DS0 or a VPI/VCI. Thus, theinvention is capable of mapping the SS7 CICs to the ATM VPI/VCI. If thecircuit is ATM, the virtual path (VP) and the virtual channel (VC) alsocan be used for identification. The group member number is a numericcode that is used for terminating circuit selection. The hardwareidentifier identifies the location of the hardware associated with theoriginating circuit. The echo canceler (EC) identification (ID) entryidentifies the echo canceler for the originating circuit.

The remaining fields are dynamic in that they are filled during callprocessing. The echo control entry is filled based on three fields insignaling messages: the echo suppresser indicator in the IAM or CRM, theecho control device indicator in the ACM or CPM, and the informationtransfer capability in the IAM. This information is used to determine ifecho control is required on the call. The satellite indicator is filledwith the satellite indicator in the IAM or CRM. It may be used to rejecta call if too many satellites are used. The circuit status indicates ifthe given circuit is idle, blocked, or not blocked. The circuit stateindicates the current state of the circuit, for example, active ortransient. The time/date indicates when the idle circuit went idle.

FIG. 11 depicts an example of the trunk group table. During originationprocessing, the trunk group number from the trunk circuit table is usedto key into the trunk table. Glare resolution indicates how a glaresituation is to be resolved. Glare is dual seizure of the same circuit.If the glare resolution entry is set to “even/odd,” the network elementwith the higher point code controls the even circuits, and the networkelement with the lower point code controls the odd circuits. If theglare resolution entry is set to “all,” the CCM controls all of thecircuits. If the glare resolution entry is set to “none,” the CCMyields. The continuity control entry lists the percent of callsrequiring continuity tests on the trunk group.

The common language location identifier (CLLI) entry is a Bellcorestandardized entry. The satellite trunk group entry indicates that thetrunk group uses a satellite. The satellite trunk group entry is used inconjunction with the satellite indicator field described above todetermine if the call has used too many satellite connections and,therefore, must be rejected. The service indicator indicates if theincoming message is from a CCM (ATM) or a switch (TDM). The outgoingmessage index (OMI) points to the message table so that outgoingmessages can obtain parameters. The associated number plan area (NPA)entry identifies the area code.

Selection sequence indicates the methodology that will be used to selecta connection. The selection sequence field designations tell the trunkgroup to select circuits based on the following: least idle, most idle,ascending, descending, clockwise, and counterclockwise. The hop counteris decremented from the IAM. If the hop counter is zero, the call isreleased. Automatic congestion control (ACC) active indicates whether ornot congestion control is active. If automatic congestion control isactive, the CCM may release the call. During termination processing, thenext function and index are used to enter the trunk circuit table.

FIG. 12 depicts an example of the exception table. The index is used asa pointer to enter the table. The carrier selection identification (ID)parameter indicates how the caller reached the network and is used forrouting certain types of calls. The following are used for this field:spare or no indication, selected carrier identification codepresubscribed and input by the calling party, selected carrieridentification code presubscribed and not input by the calling party,selected carrier identification code presubscribed and no indication ofinput by the calling party, and selected carrier identification code notpresubscribed and input by the calling party. The carrier identification(ID) indicates the network that the caller wants to use. This is used toroute calls directly to the desired network. The called party numbernature of address differentiates between 0+ calls, 1+ calls, test calls,and international calls. For example, international calls might berouted to a pre-selected international carrier.

The called party “digits from” and “digits to” focus further processingunique to a defined range of called numbers. The “digits from” field isa decimal number ranging from 1-15 digits. It can be any length and, iffilled with less than 15 digits, is filled with 0s for the remainingdigits. The “digits to” field is a decimal number ranging from 1-15digits. It can be any length and, if filled with less than 15 digits, isfilled with 9s for the remaining digits. The next function and nextindex entries point to the next table which is typically the ANI table.

FIG. 13 depicts an example of the ANI table. The index is used to enterthe fields of the table. The calling party category differentiates amongtypes of calling parties, for example, test calls, emergency calls, andordinary calls. The calling party/charge number entry nature of addressindicates how the ANI is to be obtained. The following is the table fillthat is used in this field: unknown, unique subscriber numbers, ANI notavailable or not provided, unique national number, ANI of the calledparty included, ANI of the called party not included, ANI of the calledparty includes national number, non-unique subscriber number, non-uniquenational number, non-unique international number, test line test code,and all other parameter values.

The “digits from” and “digits to” focus further processing unique to ANIwithin a given range. The data entry indicates if the ANI represents adata device that does not need echo control. Originating lineinformation (OLI) differentiates among ordinary subscriber, multipartyline, ANI failure, station level rating, special operator handling,automatic identified outward dialing, coin or non-coin call usingdatabase access, 800\888 service call, coin, prison/inmate service,intercept (blank, trouble, and regular), operator handled call, outwardwide area telecommunications service, telecommunications relay service(TRS), cellular services, private paystation, and access for privatevirtual network types of service. The next function and next index pointto the next table which is typically the called number table.

FIG. 14 depicts an example of the called number table. The index is usedto enter the table. The called number nature of address entry indicatesthe type of dialed number, for example, national versus international.The “digits from” and “digits to” entries focus further processingunique to a range of called numbers. The processing follows theprocessing logic of the “digits from” and “digits to” fields in FIG. 12.The next function and next index point to the next table which istypically the routing table.

FIG. 15 depicts an example of the routing table. The index is used toenter the table. The transit network selection (TNS) networkidentification (ID) plan indicates the number of digits to use for theCIC. The transit network selection “digits from” and “digits to” fieldsdefine the range of numbers to identify an international carrier. Thecircuit code indicates the need for an operator on the call. The nextfunction and next index entries in the routing table are used toidentify a trunk group. The second and third next function/index entriesdefine alternate routes. The third next function entry can also pointback to another set of next functions in the routing table in order toexpand the number of alternate route choices. The only other entriesallowed are pointers to the treatment table. If the routing table pointsto the trunk group table, then the trunk group table typically points toa trunk circuit in the trunk circuit table. The yield from the trunkcircuit table is the terminating connection for the call.

It can be seen from FIGS. 10-15 that the tables can be configured andrelate to one another in such a way that call processes can enter thetrunk circuit table for the originating connection and can traversethrough the tables by keying on information and using pointers. Theyield of the tables is typically a terminating connection identified bythe trunk circuit table. In some cases, treatment is specified by thetreatment table instead of a connection. If, at any point during theprocessing, a trunk group can be selected, processing may proceeddirectly to the trunk group table for terminating circuit selection. Forexample, it may be desirable to route calls from a particular ANI over aparticular set of trunk groups. In this case, the ANI table would pointdirectly to the trunk group table, and the trunk group table would pointto the trunk circuit table for a terminating circuit. The default paththrough the tables is: trunk circuit, trunk group, exception, ANI,called number, routing, trunk group, and trunk circuit.

FIG. 16 depicts an example of the treatment table. Either the index orthe message received cause number are filled and are used to enter thetable. If the index is filled and used to enter the table, the generallocation, coding standard, and cause value indicator are used togenerate an SS7 REL. The message received cause value entry is the causevalue in a received SS7 message. If the message received cause value isfilled and used to enter the table, then the cause value from thatmessage is used in a REL from the CCM. The next function and next indexpoint to the next table.

FIG. 17 depicts an example of the message table. This table allows theCCM to alter information in outgoing messages. Message type is used toenter the table, and it represents the outgoing standard SS7 messagetype. The parameter is the pertinent parameter within the outgoing SS7message. The indexes point to various entries in the trunk group tableand determine if parameters can be unchanged, omitted, or modified inthe outgoing messages.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations from thespecific embodiments disclosed above are contemplated by the invention.The invention should not be restricted to the above embodiments, butshould be measured by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for providing an interface for a callbetween a broadband system and a GR-303 system, the call having usercommunications and call signaling, the system comprising: a signalingprocessor adapted to process the call signaling to select a broadbandconnection for the call and to provide a control message that identifiesthe selected broadband connection; a converter adapted to receive thecall signaling from the GR-303 system in a GR-303 format and to providethe call signaling to the signaling processor in a format processable bythe signaling processor; an interworking unit adapted to receive usercommunications in a GR-303 format from the GR-303 system and to receivethe control message from the signaling processor, to convert the usercommunications between the GR-303 format and a broadband format, and totransmit the user communications in the broadband format to thebroadband system on the selected broadband connection identified in thecontrol message; and a service platform in the broadband system adaptedto receive the user communications and to process the usercommunications with a service application.
 2. The system of claim 1further comprising a cross connect adapted to receive the usercommunications from the interworking unit and to route the usercommunications on the selected broadband connection.
 3. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the broadband system comprises an asynchronous transfermode system and wherein the selected broadband connection comprises aselected virtual path identifier/virtual channel identifier.
 4. Thesystem of claim 3 further comprising an asynchronous transfer mode crossconnect adapted to receive the user communications from the interworkingunit and to route the user communications on the selected virtual pathidentifier/virtual channel identifier.
 5. The system of claim 1 whereinthe signaling processor is adapted to process the call signaling in asignaling system #7 format.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein thesignaling processor is adapted to exchange the call signaling with thebroadband system in the signaling system #7 format.
 7. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the converter is adapted to interwork the call signalingbetween the GR-303 format and a signaling system #7 format.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the service platform comprises a mediaprocessor adapted to receive the user communications and to process theuser communications.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the serviceplatform comprises a host computer adapted to control the processing ofthe user communications in the service platform with the interactiveapplication.
 10. The system of claim 9 further comprising a servicedatabase adapted to store service data wherein the host computer isadapted to retrieve the service data from the service database to assistin call processing.
 11. The system of claim 9 further comprising aservice database having processing option information denoting servicesavailable for the call wherein the host computer is adapted to retrievethe processing option information from the service database to assist incall processing.
 12. The system of claim 1 further comprising a servicedatabase having service data available to the call wherein the signalingprocessor is adapted to retrieve the service data from the servicedatabase to assist in call processing.
 13. The system of claim 1 furthercomprising a service database having processing option informationdenoting services available for the call wherein the signaling processoris adapted to retrieve the processing option information from theservice database to assist in call processing.
 14. A system forproviding an interface for a call between an asynchronous transfer modesystem that is operable to handle the call and a GR-303 system that isoperable to handle the call, the call having user communications andcall signaling, the system comprising: a service platform adapted toprocess the call with an interactive application; a signaling processoradapted to receive the call signaling, to process call signaling fromthe GR-303 system and from the asynchronous transfer mode system, toselect at least one of a connection to the asynchronous transfer modesystem, the GR-303 system, and the service platform for the call, and toprovide a control message that identifies the selected connection; andan interworking unit adapted to receive the control message from thesignaling processor, to receive the user communications, and tointerwork the user communications between the GR-303 system, theasynchronous transfer mode system, and the service platform on theselected connection identified in the control message.
 15. The system ofclaim 14 further comprising a cross connect adapted to receive the usercommunications from the interworking unit and to route the usercommunications on the selected connection.
 16. The system of claim 14wherein the selected connection comprises a selected virtual pathidentifier/virtual channel identifier.
 17. The system of claim 14further comprising a converter adapted to exchange the call signalingbetween the GR-303 system in the GR-303 format and the signalingprocessor in a format processable by the signaling processor.
 18. Thesystem of claim 17 wherein the converter is adapted to interwork thecall signaling between the GR-303 format and a signaling system #7format.
 19. The system of claim 14 wherein the signaling processor isadapted to process the call signaling in a signaling system #7 format.20. The system of claim 19 wherein the signaling processor is adapted toexchange the call signaling with the asynchronous transfer mode systemin the signaling system #7 format.
 21. The system of claim 14 whereinthe service platform comprises a media processor adapted to receive theuser communications and to process the user communications.
 22. Thesystem of claim 14 wherein the service platform comprises a hostcomputer adapted to control the processing of the user communications inthe service platform with the interactive application.
 23. The system ofclaim 22 further comprising a service database adapted to store servicedata wherein the host computer is adapted to retrieve the service datafrom the service database to assist in call processing.
 24. The systemof claim 22 further comprising a service database having processingoption information denoting services available for the call wherein thehost computer is adapted to retrieve the processing option informationfrom the service database to assist in call processing.
 25. The systemof claim 14 further comprising a service database having service dataavailable to the call wherein the signaling processor is adapted toretrieve the service data from the service database to assist in callprocessing.
 26. The system of claim 14 further comprising a servicedatabase having processing option information denoting servicesavailable for the call wherein the signaling processor is adapted toretrieve the processing option information from the service database toassist in call processing.
 27. A system for interworking for a callbetween an asynchronous transfer mode system and a GR-303 system, thecall having call signaling and user communications, system comprising: aservice platform adapted to process the call with an interactiveapplication; a converter adapted to exchange the call signaling with theGR-303 system and to interwork call signaling between a GR-303 formatand a signaling system #7 format; a signaling processor adapted toreceive call signaling in a signaling system #7 format from theasynchronous transfer mode system and from the converter, to process thecall signaling in the signaling system #7 format to select at least oneof a connection to the GR-303 system, the asynchronous transfer modesystem, and the service platform for the call, and to provide a controlmessage that identifies the selected connection; and an interworkingunit adapted to receive the control message from the signaling processorand to interwork the user communications between the GR-303 system, theasynchronous transfer mode system, and the service platform using theselected connection identified in the control message.
 28. The system ofclaim 27 further comprising a cross connect adapted to receive the usercommunications from the interworking unit and to route the usercommunications on the selected connection.
 29. The system of claim 27wherein the selected connection comprises a selected virtual pathidentifier/virtual channel identifier.
 30. The system of claim 27wherein the service platform comprises a media processor adapted toreceive the user communications and to process the user communications.31. The system of claim 27 wherein the service platform comprises a hostcomputer adapted to control the processing of the user communications inthe service platform with the interactive application.
 32. The system ofclaim 31 further comprising a service database adapted to store servicedata wherein the host computer is adapted to retrieve the service datafrom the service database to assist in call processing.
 33. The systemof claim 31 further comprising a service database having processingoption information denoting services available for the call wherein thehost computer is adapted to retrieve the processing option informationfrom the service database to assist in call processing.
 34. The systemof claim 27 further comprising a service database having service dataavailable to the call wherein the signaling processor is adapted toretrieve the service data from the service database to assist in callprocessing.
 35. The system of claim 27 further comprising a servicedatabase having processing option information denoting servicesavailable for the call wherein the signaling processor is adapted toretrieve the processing option information from the service database toassist in call processing.
 36. A system for providing an interface for acall between an asynchronous transfer mode system and a GR-303 system,the call having user communications and call signaling, the systemcomprising: a service platform adapted to process the call with aninteractive application; a signaling processor adapted to exchange callsignaling with the asynchronous transfer mode system, to process callsignaling from GR-303 system and from the asynchronous transfer modesystem, to select at least one of a connection for the call to theGR-303 system, the asynchronous transfer mode system, and the serviceplatform, and to provide a control message that identifies the selectedconnection; and an interworking unit adapted to exchange the callsignaling between the GR-303 system and the signaling processor, toreceive the control message from the signaling processor, and tointerwork user communications between the GR-303 system, theasynchronous transfer mode system, and the service platform on theselected connection identified in the control message.
 37. The system ofclaim 36 further comprising a cross connect adapted to receive the usercommunications from the interworking unit and to route the usercommunications on the selected connection.
 38. The system of claim 36wherein the selected connection comprises a selected virtual pathidentifier/virtual channel identifier.
 39. The system of claim 36further comprising a converter adapted to exchange the call signalingbetween the GR-303 system in the GR-303 format and the signalingprocessor in a format processable by the signaling processor.
 40. Thesystem of claim 39 wherein the converter is adapted to interwork thecall signaling between the GR-303 format and a signaling system #7format.
 41. The system of claim 36 wherein the signaling processor isadapted to process the call signaling in a signaling system #7 format.42. The system of claim 41 wherein the signaling processor is adapted toexchange the call signaling with the asynchronous transfer mode systemin the signaling system #7 format.
 43. The system of claim 36 whereinthe service platform comprises a media processor adapted to receive theuser communications and to process the user communications.
 44. Thesystem of claim 36 wherein the service platform comprises a hostcomputer adapted to control the processing of the user communications inthe service platform with the interactive application.
 45. The system ofclaim 44 further comprising a service database adapted to store servicedata wherein the host computer is adapted to retrieve the service datafrom the service database to assist in call processing.
 46. The systemof claim 44 further comprising a service database having processingoption information denoting services available for the call wherein thehost computer is adapted to retrieve the processing option informationfrom the service database to assist in call processing.
 47. The systemof claim 36 further comprising a service database having service dataavailable to the call wherein the signaling processor is adapted toretrieve the service data from the service database to assist in callprocessing.
 48. The system of claim 36 further comprising a servicedatabase having processing option information denoting servicesavailable for the call wherein the signaling processor is adapted toretrieve the processing option information from the service database toassist in call processing.
 49. The system of claim 36 wherein theinterworking unit is adapted to interwork the call signaling between theGR-303 format and the format processable by the signaling processor. 50.The system of claim 36 wherein the signaling processor is adapted toprocess the call signaling in a signaling system #7 format and whereinthe interworking unit is adapted to interwork the call signaling betweenthe GR-303 system in the GR-303 format and the signaling processor inthe signaling system #7 format.